Master Thesis in Peace and Development Studies Author: Kimia Avazpour School of Social Sciences Supervisor: Anders Nilsson Växjö University Spring Semester 2009 Euskadi Ta Askatasuna* - Reasons for Existence A Case Study in the Basque Country Abstract Växjö University, School of Social Sciences Euskadi Ta Askatasuna – Reasons for Existence. A Case Study in the Basque Country Author: Kimia Raha Avazpour Supervisor: Anders Nilsson Examiner: Göran Palm Spring Semester 2009 In this case study I explore why the conflict of the Basque country which involves Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) persists. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the existence of ETA. Working somewhat as an ethnographer the method has been to observe Basque society and through semi- structured interviews gain an understanding of ETAs existence. As exemplified with the hermeneutic circle, this case study starts out with a preunderstanding of the reasons for the existence of ETA, a preunderstanding which alters many times during my visit to the Basque country. Keys to understanding the continued existence of ETA is that historical “injustices” are perceived to still exist in the Basque country. Perceptions which question the legitimacy of the Spanish state in the Basque country. Further the social base of ETA, as exemplified in election support for Herri Batasuna (HB), still remains rather strong despite the party‟s illegalization and finally, the perceived lack of a functioning democracy in Spain and the lack of legitimacy of the Spanish state in the Basque country are among the reasons for the continued existence of ETA. Key words: Basque conflict, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), radical nationalism, hermeneutic circle *Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) means Basque homeland and freedom. I would like to extend my gratitude… ….to all the people in the Basque country who took their time and patiently answered all my questions and inquiries, ...to my supervisor Anders Nilsson for giving me feedback and assistance throughout the course of the study, …to Mikel and his family, without whose never-ending support, patience and help this study would be nothing but a mere dream. Thank you, Eskerrik asko. Kimia Avazpour, Växjö, June 2009 Contents List of Tables and Figures .................................................................................................................... 0 1. Problem .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Limitations ............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Disposition ............................................................................................................................................ 2 2. Method............................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 The Hermeneutic Circle ........................................................................................................................ 3 2.1.1 Disadvantages and Advantages ..................................................................................................... 4 2.1.2 My Preunderstanding..................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Interviews.............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Sampling Process .................................................................................................................................. 7 2.4 Analysis of the Material ........................................................................................................................ 8 3. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 11 3.1 Territorial setting................................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Self-government .................................................................................................................................. 12 How state powers are distributed ......................................................................................................... 13 4. Identity and Party Politics .......................................................................................................... 14 4.1 Divisions and Definitions.................................................................................................................... 15 4.1.2 Divisions represented by political parties.................................................................................... 16 5. Living History .............................................................................................................................. 19 5.1 The Father of Basque Nationalism and the First Basque Party........................................................... 20 5.2 Era of Franquismo (1939-1975) and beginning of ETA ..................................................................... 21 5.2.1 ETAs Ideology .............................................................................................................................. 22 5.3 Democratization Process ..................................................................................................................... 24 5.3.1 The Breathing History.................................................................................................................. 25 5.3.2 A “Non-valid Democracy” .......................................................................................................... 26 5.4 ETA in the Transition ......................................................................................................................... 29 6. Spanish Politics and Basque Demands ...................................................................................... 31 6.1 Moderate Regionalists and Radical Nationalists................................................................................. 31 6.2 Spain‟s Campaign Against ETA ......................................................................................................... 32 6.2.1 Perceived Effects.......................................................................................................................... 37 6.3 Demands for self-determination and Conspiracies ............................................................................. 40 6.4 Organizations, Media and Freedom of Speech ................................................................................... 43 6.4.1 The Case of the Prisoners ............................................................................................................ 43 6.4.2 The Case of the Urban Struggle................................................................................................... 44 6.4.3 The Case of Tortures.................................................................................................................... 45 6.4.4 Case 18/98: Egunkaria, Egin and Gestoras Pro Amnistía .......................................................... 47 7. The Continued Existence of Violence ........................................................................................ 50 7.1 Non-functioning Democracy............................................................................................................... 50 7.2 Breathing History ................................................................................................................................ 51 7.3 Social Support ..................................................................................................................................... 52 7.4 Further Complexities........................................................................................................................... 53 7.5 My New Understanding ...................................................................................................................... 54 7.6 For Future Studies ............................................................................................................................... 55 References ............................................................................................................................................ 56 Printed sources .......................................................................................................................................... 56 Articles ...................................................................................................................................................... 57 Reports ...................................................................................................................................................... 57 Internet ...................................................................................................................................................... 58 Pictures...................................................................................................................................................... 62 Motion